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The way of the heart means living life with the energy of love, compassion, and forgiveness. This vibrational energy flows from the center of your chest where the heart chakra, called Anahata in Sanskrit, is located. It is your spiritual connection to love.
But sometimes this energy center gets blocked, and you may have a difficult time giving and receiving love. If you struggle with love and connecting to others, let love in with these heart-opening yoga poses.
Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
Start the morning with this easy heart-opening stretch to invite love throughout the day. Begin the pose on all fours in tabletop position. Press down firmly through your hands. As you inhale, arch your upper chest and open your collarbones. According to Yogapedia, this heart chakra pose improves posture, expands your chest, and relieves tightness in your body.
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Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana)
This heart-opening pose for a delicious stretch in the chest and abdomen as well as to create stability in the lower spine is recommended by Be Yogi . Enter this pose beginning in plank. Bring your right knee forward and place your right foot between both hands. Lower your left knee to the ground. Next, extend both arms upwards. Place your palms together. Open your chest as you lift from your upper thoracic. Don’t forget to keep your hips centered and engaged. Hold for several breaths. Then repeat on the opposite side.
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Reverse Prayer Pose (Pashchima Namaskarasana)
This heart-opening pose releases tension from the chest while also stretching tight wrists, forearms, and hands, according to Prime Women. You can enter the pose standing in mountain pose (tadasana) or seated with your legs crossed. Next, bring arms behind the back, placing palms together facing toward the mat. Inhale as you turn your fingertips to face upwards along the spine. Keep the chest and spine upright and engaged while pressing folded hands against the back. Breathe gently inwards and outwards
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Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)
This challenging pose vigorously extends the chest and back, so make sure to warm a bit before with some easier stretches. (You may want to save this one for the end of your yoga practice.) Begin by laying down on your mat. Next, bend your knees, bringing the soles of your feet onto your mat. Hands should be placed, palms down on the mat. Gently raise the hips into bridge pose. (Beginners can remain in bridge for a few breaths for a gentle heart opening posture).
To enter full wheel, bend your elbows and bring the palms of your hands overhead. Place palms underneath your shoulders with the fingertips pointing towards your feet. Begin to raise into wheel by putting weight into the palms and feet. Straighten your legs and reach your chest lifting from the upper spine. Relax through your breath as you feel your spine stretch and heart open. This pose also improves spinal mobility and makes you feel energized!
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Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
This animal-inspired yoga pose expands your heart, relaxes your lower back, and stimulates energy. Begin by laying down on your mat, face-down. Next, place palms beside your upper rib cage, fingertips facing forward. Extend your chest forward and gently press palms on the mat. Listen to your body: if it feels right for you, continue to lift your head and chest, rolling your shoulders back and down. Verywell Fit suggests repeating the pose by lifting and lowering on an inhale-exhale cycle to enjoy the full heart-opening experience.
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